South African Bean Estimate Drops
PRETORIA - Mar 27/12 - SNS -- Dry edible bean crops are not developing as hoped, with average yields looking lower than first thought, according to the last crop estimates from the South Africa Grain Information Service (SAGIS).
This has pushed this season's edible bean crop down 6.4% from last month's estimate to a forecast 47,315 metric tons (MT). Though up from the 41,980 MT produced last year, it is below the previous five year average of 51,957 MT.
Farmers in South Africa were more interested in growing corn and soybeans than other summer crops, with corn area rising 14% to 2.699 million hectares, while land in soybeans rose 13% to 472,000 hectares. By contrast, land in edible beans is down 5% at 39,750 hectares, the first time 1997 that seeded area has fallen under 40,000 hectares.
Only active subscribers can read all of this article.
If you are a subscriber, please log into the website.
If you are not a subscriber, click here to subscribe to this edition of the STAT website and to learn more about becoming a subscriber.
